Maria Kaiser, Cos Bar store manager, shares her makeup application expertise. Photo: Chris Emeott
Cos Bar pairs personalized beauty with a community-minded touch.
Lindsay Melander and her friends had a fun idea for a girls night out—a makeover party at Edina’s Cos Bar.
Talented makeup artists greet guests and tailor the makeup to each person, Melander says. “They help to not over apply products and give you a makeover but also help suggest products that will work best with your skin and complexion. They provide snacks and Champagne, which makes for a fun girls’ night out.”
This fun night out wasn’t just a run-of-the-mill event. It was donated by Cos Bar to the Normandale Elementary PTO for its annual fundraiser. Melander’s friend won the item. For two decades, Cos Bar has been a steady presence in the community, and often donates these parties to silent auctions. The Edina store in the heart of the 50th & France commercial district is one of 21 locations for the luxury beauty retailer across the country.
Small bites and Champagne add a special touch to Cos Bar’s events.
Since the Edina location’s opening in 2007, Cos Bar has set out to be a personalized, relationship-based destination that values community and true connection with customers. “We’re a boutique environment focused on long-term relationships,” says Lisa Fuller, head of marketing for Cos Bar. “We offer a more edited and guided experience. Instead of walking into a large space with thousands of options, our assortment is highly curated.”
Cos Bar says it builds loyalty and trust through tailored recommendations, personalized service and helping customers save time by narrowing down options and introducing them to quality products. “Many of our customers have worked with the same associate for years, which creates a level of trust,” Fuller says.
Finding the ideal perfume isn’t much of a challenge at Cos Bar, where clients have a myriad of options to choose from when on the hunt for a signature scent.
The neighborly philosophy doesn’t just revolve around customers—it extends to the community. This is, in part, demonstrated by Cos Bar’s support of local charities and PTOs. “In communities like Edina, schools are at the center of everything,” Fuller says. “Supporting education is a natural way for us to give back to the families who support our business.”
The PTO hosts its yearly fundraiser to support the school’s French intern program, where interns work directly with K–12 students in the classroom. Cos Bar has donated makeover parties to the fundraiser the last few years and the support is crucial to the success of Normandale’s fundraiser. “Without local business support, we would not be able to raise funds during our silent and live auctions,” Melander says. The party is worth $1,000 and often goes for much more at auction. “This has a direct impact on our children’s education,” she says.
